How to Go Organic in the Garden

Take a proactive stand for the environment by starting in your own backyard. Go organic to make your garden a healthier place for every living thing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Manure
• Balanced Organic Fertilizer
• Compost Makers
• Floating Row Covers
• Garden Sprayer
• Soil Test Kit

1. Make the big decision to go organic. Vow to use only organic fertilizers and pesticides derived from natural sources throughout the landscape.

2. Take the first steps: Use up the last of those inorganic fertilizers and dispose of inorganic pesticides as directed on the label and by local ordinance.

3. Pledge to support your organic goals by engaging in sound horticultural practices such as composting, companion planting and interplanting. Learn to appreciate frogs, lizards and even a few garden pests.

4. Know your goals: healthy plants that can resist pests, and a garden your kids can play in every day. Get there with gardening practices that contribute to balanced backyard ecology.

5. Get a soil test done (talk to your county cooperative extension agent or ask at the local plant nursery) or do it yourself with a kit. Add organic fertilizers, lime or sulfur only if your soil lacks them - more is not necessarily better.

6. Amend all soil with 1 or 2 inches of organic compost once a year, without regard to other nutrient needs. Use it to build your soil's structure, encourage earthworms and get added nutrients in the bargain.

7. Choose a wide variety of plants for your organic garden - a diverse planting helps deter insects and keeps disease from spreading fast. Feed the plants as well as you do the soil, but use organic fertilizers on your plants throughout the growing season.

8. Talk to other organic gardeners about local sources for fertilizers like manures and stable beddings. Ask about hardy heirlooms known in your area and try new varieties that resist pests and diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• Compost raw manure for at least six months before adding it to your garden.
• Exclude pests from seedling beds and vegetable gardens with floating row covers.
• Recycle whenever possible, to keep with the organic attitude of less impact on the planet.
• Adopt the old adage "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without."
• Dispose of pesticide containers in the proper way, not in the household trash.

on 2/20/2006 Take a hint from Mother Nature and let composting occur naturally. Just rake leaves and grass clippings into your garden and use as a natural mulch. Over time, the leaves and grass will decay, adding nutrients to the soil. In the meantime, the layered plant mater will keep weeds at bay and protect the moisture content of the soil. When you are ready to plant, just rake away the compost to expose the soft weed-free earth below. Once seedlings are established, move the mulch back into place around each plant - no more hoeing - no more tilling!

on 2/20/2006 Read 'This Organic Life' by Joan Dye Gussow. It'll help you realize you don't even need organic fertilizers or sprays (just what you have around the house, and truly letting the soil take care of herself).
Fabulous book.